Nyuto Onsenkyo Tsurunoyu Hot Spring, Akita Prefecture, Japan】Part 28: The charms of the "land and hot spring" according to a hot spring guardian

  • Akita
  • Stay

The charm of "THE ONSEN" is revealed!

One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the onsen (hot springs)! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by locals for centuries? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!

What is a "Yumamori"?

The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.

Tsurunoyu Onsen is not only a hot spring, but also a place where you can feel the charm of the buildings and the scenery.

In this 28th installment of our series "Ask a Hot Spring Guardian about the Charms of Local Hot Springs," we introduce you to Tsurunoyu Onsen in Nyuto Onsenkyo. We interviewed Mr. Sato, the Yumori-no-San (guardian of the hot spring).

Tsurunoyu Onsen, the oldest of the Nyuto Hot Spring Village

What kind of place is Nyuto Hot Spring Resort where Tsuru-no-yu Onsen is located? What is the history of Tsuru-no-yu Onsen, which is said to be the oldest of all the hot springs in Nyuto Onsenkyo?

Mr. Sato, the hot spring guardian
Nyuto Onsenkyo is located in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. The seven inns scattered around the foot of Mount Nyuto are called "Nyuto Onsenkyo. Tsuru no Yu Onsen" is one of them and has been recorded as an inn since 1688. In the old days, the second lord of the Akita domain, Yoshitaka Satake, also visited the inn for a hot-spring cure.
The entrance to Tsuru-no-yu Onsen, which is truly a hidden hot spring.

Tsuru-no-yu Onsen, where you can enjoy multiple hot springs with different qualities

-What is the attraction of the mixed bathing open-air baths, which are said to be one of the most famous features of Tsuru-no-yu Onsen and are looked forward to by many of our guests?

Yumori-Sato-san
The mixed bathing open-air bath has characteristic dark white muddy water and fresh hot spring water that gushes directly from under the bathtub.
The mixed bathing open-air bath that symbolizes Tsuru-no-yu Onsen

What are the features of the hot springs other than the mixed bathing open-air baths, which are said to be the most famous and looked forward to by many guests?

Yumori-Sato-san
"Kuroyu" is characterized by its warming water and difficulty in cooling off. The "Chunyu" is effective for nervous system diseases and eye diseases, and the "Shiroyu" (white water), also known as "beauty water," is effective for whitening the skin and making it feel smooth.
White water with whitening effects

-Each hot spring has its own characteristics, but do you have any recommendations on how to enter them during your stay?

Yumamori Sato-san
recommends that customers first enter the hot spring they are interested in and finally enter the Kuroyu or Naka-no-yu baths.
Women-only open-air bath
Tsuru-no-yu Onsen has an open-air bath exclusively for women, so women who are concerned about entering a mixed bathing open-air bath can bathe in peace. After bathing in the hot spring of your choice, a final dip in the hot kuroyu or nakanoyu baths will likely keep your body warm after bathing.

Enjoy the famous "mountain sweet potato hot pot" for dinner.

-Dinners are also popular with the "mountain potato hot pot" and other dishes unique to a mountain lodge. Can you tell us more about your meal menu?

Yumamori Sato-san
"Yamato-imo nabe" is a nourishing and popular nabe dish made by grating yam and putting it alone in a round pot. The miso flavor makes it easy to eat, and some people even ask for seconds.
A mountain sweet potato hot pot served over an open hearth

-The "mountain sweet potato hot pot" is a good dish to eat in the cold season to warm up your body. Are there any other unique ways to enjoy winter or spring?

Yumori Sato-san
Open-air baths are recommended because of the cold weather. The open-air bath in the cold is doubly appreciated.
The mixed bathing open-air bath covered with snow

Rooms where you can relax and unwind

-There are a variety of rooms at Tsuru-no-yu Onsen, can you recommend a room and tell us about its features?

Yumori-Sato
Rooms with a sunken hearth are popular, but we recommend the No. 1 building type, which was renovated the year before last, because it gets a lot of sun and has a great view.
Image of a room in the No. 1 building

Finally, please tell us about your commitment to Yumori and your message to our guests.

Yumori-Sato-san
We are located like an old village, but we value the atmosphere with no unnecessary things.
Mr. Sato, the hot-spring guardian

Tsuru-no-yu Onsen, where you will be healed not only by the hot springs but also by the coziness of the hot springs.

How was it? We asked him to tell us more about Tsuru-no-yu Onsen. You can enjoy the rich white water of the mixed bathing open-air baths and the fun of comparing the different qualities of each spring. In addition, the meals include "mountain sweet potato hot pot," as well as dishes unique to the mountains that use an abundance of wild vegetables and mushrooms. The buildings and scenery will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to a bygone era. Why don't you forget your everyday life and experience a moment of healing deep in the mountains at Tsuru-no-yu Onsen?
Click here for details on access to Tsuru-no-yu Onsen

◆Next notice

Please enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature at Lamp Inn Takamine Onsen! Please look forward to the next installment.
If you would like to know more about "Ji-onsen", please click the link button below.
JR East HP "Chi/onsen" (Japanese only)

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles